France and top-notch education—for many, the two go hand in hand. As a Grande École and a member of the prestigious Conférence des Grandes Écoles, IESEG ranks among France’s most prestigious business schools—with two campuses that could hardly be more different yet equally exciting: the historic university district in Lille and the modern, urban campus in the heart of La Défense, Europe’s largest business district, in Paris. Add to that an international environment with over 100 nationalities, an award-winning teaching approach, and direct connections to the business world. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about spending a semester abroad at IESEG—and who knows: maybe you’ll soon be planning your first commute along the Seine or strolling through Lille’s lively old town?
The history of the IESEG School of Management began in 1964—in the heart of Lille, nestled on the campus of the Université Catholique de Lille. Founded with the goal of combining management education at the highest level with a clear international focus, IESEG has since evolved into one of France’s best-known business schools. Today, it is an official member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles, the exclusive network of France’s top higher education institutions, and is thus far more than a traditional university: it is a true Grande École. What truly sets IESEG apart on the international stage is the Triple Crown. With AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA accreditations, IESEG holds the world’s most prestigious seal of quality in business education—a distinction held by fewer than 1% of all business schools worldwide. And what makes this particularly noteworthy is that all three accreditations were most recently renewed for the maximum term of five years each. This is no coincidence, but rather a reflection of a consistent commitment: high quality standards, continuous improvement, and a sustained focus on excellence.
IESEG is home to approximately 8,450 students from around the world, taught by 208 tenured professors who hail from 54 different countries and all hold doctoral degrees. The result: an educational program that not only meets international standards but also actively shapes them. The language of instruction is English, in both the bachelor’s and master’s programs, making IESEG the ideal destination for exchange students from Germany. Added to this is a network of 335 partner universities in 74 countries, as well as close collaborations with local and international companies. The Paris campus in La Défense plays a particularly important role here: Surrounded by 3,600 companies, it offers students a direct connection to the European business world. Field trips, guest lectures, and practical projects are not the exception here, but an integral part of everyday student life.
IESEG’s teaching model consistently focuses on combining academic rigor with applied learning. In small, interactive classes—supplemented by trading rooms, multimedia labs, case studies, and international project collaborations—students learn not only how the economy works but also how to actively shape it. The mission statement “Empowering Changemakers for a Better Society” is more than just a slogan: it shapes the entire academic experience, from the first semester through the thesis. IESEG regularly appears in the most prestigious international rankings. In the Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2025, the school ranks 26th worldwide, with top rankings in areas such as internationality and teaching quality.
With over 52 student organizations and around 500 events per year, there’s hardly an area at IESEG that students can’t actively shape. From sports teams and sustainability initiatives to trading clubs and social impact groups, campus life at IESEG is as diverse as the student body itself. IESEG is a university set against two completely different backdrops. Students here can choose between the historic high school atmosphere in Lille and the urban business environment of Paris, depending on their program of study and placement.
The Lille Campus is where IESEG began. Six buildings totaling 22,500 m² are located in the heart of the Vauban district, the city’s vibrant university hub. Around 3,000 students study here in modern seminar rooms, trading rooms, multimedia studios, and well-equipped libraries. As part of the Université Catholique de Lille, IESEG students benefit from a campus ecosystem with over 42,000 students, 20 university residence halls, a large sports center, and numerous social activities. A current expansion project, the IESEG Village, is making the campus even more vibrant and creating new spaces for collaborative learning.
The Paris Campus in La Défense, on the other hand, is in a league of its own. Three buildings covering over 21,000 m² right in the heart of Europe’s largest business district: lecture halls, trading rooms, two cafeterias, a library, and meeting rooms for clubs and associations. Everything students need is right here. Add to that the location: Students here are literally situated among the headquarters of global corporations, surrounded by 3,600 companies and 45,000 other students in the neighborhood. Connections to the business world aren’t just a bonus—they’re an everyday reality.
A semester abroad at IESEG offers not one, but two possible experiences: northern France or Île-de-France. Both locations have their own unique character, and both are well worth it.
Lille is one of France’s liveliest university cities—often underrated, but anyone who’s been there knows how to appreciate it. Located in northern France, less than 40 minutes by Eurostar from Brussels and less than 80 minutes from Paris, the city boasts a vibrant historic center with impressive Flemish architecture, one of France’s most beautiful Grand’ Places, a lively bar and restaurant scene, and a cultural scene that far exceeds its size. The cost of living is moderate by French standards: apartments and rooms cost on average between 450 and 800 euros per month, depending on location and amenities. For students at the Lille Campus, there are various housing options: IESEG, in cooperation with the Université Catholique de Lille, operates the Concordia Residence, a 125-bed residence located about a 15-minute walk from the campus. In addition, through the student services organization “ALL,” more than 1,400 rooms are available in 20 university dormitories in the surrounding area, with rents ranging from 350 to 710 euros. For those who prefer to live in private housing, the Studapart platform offers a wide selection of studios, shared apartments, and private rooms near the campus.
Paris-La Défense is a completely different experience. Students here live in or near one of Europe’s most dynamic neighborhoods: skyscrapers, an international atmosphere, and close proximity to the Champs-Élysées and downtown Paris, which is about a 30-minute metro ride away. Paris is more expensive than Lille. Apartments cost an average of between 600 and 1,200 euros per month, but the city also offers a quality of life and cultural offerings that are second to none. In the Île-de-France region, there are numerous student residences near the campus, including the YouFirst Campus residences in La Défense as well as other private providers. IESEG works closely with Studapart and actively supports all students in their search for housing.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the chance to combine your studies in Munich with a semester abroad at the IESEG School of Management in France—all as part of a single program! The semester abroad at IESEG is available to you as part of the following programs at MBS:
Learn more about our academic offerings now and find the program that best suits you and your interests.
Note: Despite careful maintenance of our content, individual details regarding the semester abroad may occasionally change. For binding and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
Have you found a degree program that interests you? If so, you can easily apply through the MBS application portal. Provided you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you will then be invited to a selection interview. It’s best to apply early to ensure you have the best chance of being admitted to both Munich Business School and IESEG School of Management!
Once your application to Munich Business School has been accepted and you have successfully enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program, your time as a student in Munich begins. During your first semesters at Munich Business School, you’ll learn important business fundamentals, choose your areas of concentration and electives based on your degree program and interests, and collaborate with your fellow students on exciting projects.
The first few semesters at Munich Business School are also the ideal time to plan your semester abroad at the IESEG School of Management. When you’ll study abroad in France depends on your degree program and when you started your studies. If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Munich Business School and began your studies in the fall, your semester abroad will take place during your fourth semester. If you started your bachelor’s program in February, you’ll go abroad in the sixth semester. For master’s students, the semester abroad is scheduled for the third semester. The MBS International Center is here to help you plan your semester abroad at IESEG and answer all your questions about course selection, housing, and student life.
Now that you’ve successfully completed your first semesters at Munich Business School and finalized your plans for your semester abroad at IESEG, it’s finally time to get started. Yay, your semester abroad in France is about to begin! Immerse yourself in the new (university) culture, make new friends, soak up everything around you, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime! One thing is certain: the experience of studying abroad in France will stay with you forever, and you’ll return a changed person. After your semester abroad, you’ll either return to Munich Business School for one to three more semesters (Bachelor’s program) or complete your degree with your thesis (Master’s program).
To qualify for a business degree program at Munich Business School—and thus also at the IESEG School of Management—you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. We recommend applying early, as the number of available spots is limited.
For many students, a semester abroad at the IESEG School of Management in France is an absolute highlight of their college experience—and for good reason! At the same time, studying abroad raises many practical questions: How is the university rated? Where will I be studying? What is the cost of living there? To help you prepare as best as possible, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about studying at IESEG.
IESEG is one of France’s most prestigious business schools and ranks among the best in all of Europe. As a Grande École and the only French institution to hold the Triple Crown—the three leading international accreditations (AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA), all granted for the maximum term of 5 years—it is part of a global elite comprising less than 1% of all business schools worldwide. In the Financial Times’ 2025 Masters in Management Ranking, IESEG ranks 26th worldwide, with particularly strong results in the areas of internationality and faculty diversity. For students seeking an internationally recognized education with real career prospects, IESEG is an excellent choice.
IESEG has two full-fledged campuses: the historic main campus in Lille’s university district and the urban campus in the heart of La Défense, Europe’s largest business district, in Paris. Which location you’ll be assigned to as an exchange student from Munich Business School depends on your specific program and current availability. The MBS International Center will advise you on the specifics of your planning and provide you with information about your host campus. It’s generally a good idea to keep both cities in mind—both Lille and Paris are more than suitable for an unforgettable semester abroad.
IESEG is one of the few French universities where nearly all programs are taught entirely in English; this applies to both bachelor’s and master’s programs, as well as to courses for exchange students. Knowledge of French is therefore not a prerequisite for studying here. In everyday life—whether shopping, dining out, or chatting with neighbors—a basic knowledge of French naturally makes life easier, but it’s not strictly necessary: in an environment as international as the IESEG campus, you can get by very well with English. For those who want to take the time to improve their French, there are also numerous language courses available at both campuses.
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